COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a complex optical and musculoskeletal disorder related to near work during computer use.

The most common symptoms of CVS include:

· Headache.
· Loss of focus / blurred vision.
· Double vision.
· Dry, burning, tired eyes.
· Muscular strain.
· Excessive tears.
· General fatigue.
· Excessive blinking/squinting.
· Overall stress.
· Neck or shoulder strain/pain.

As an eye and vision problem, some individuals react with more difficulty focusing on characters on a computer screen as opposed to reading printed material on paper.

Treatment is varied and complex with different solutions for different individual's needs. For optimum patient comfort and performance, it is usually necessary to use a specific computer correction. Your optometrist will assess your optical needs. There are a wide variety of lens styles available, ranging from single vision computer lenses to progressive-add bifocals, which can aid in achieving proper focus. There are also many different lens materials and treatments (i.e. tints and anti-reflective coatings) to assist with comfort.

Your doctor will be testing your eyes to help find which solution works best for you. Some of these tests might include:

Detailed Refraction - a measurement of your visual system's focusing power needs.

Binocular Vision Testing - an evaluation of your I eyes' efficiency in working together at different distances.

Dynamic Retinoscopy - an evaluation of your eye's focusing system function for near tasks.
Tear Assessment - an evaluation of your tear's quantity and quality.

Studies show that about three-quarters of computer users experience the symptoms of CVS. The good news is that the eye and vision symptoms, as well as other problems of CVS, can usually be alleviated by good eye care and/or by changes in the work environment.

Eye Breaks

· Refocus eyes away from the monitor to across the room for 5 seconds every 15 minutes of monitor viewing. Look at objects that are varying distances from your computer.
· Perform several rapid and quick blinks to the eyes several times to rewet and refocus during this eye break. Application of artificial tears or rewetting drops for contact lens wearers at this time would be beneficial.

Workstation Adjustments

· Ambient lighting should be available. Avoid harsh brightness changes from the computer monitor to the room.
· Minimize screen glare by repositioning the computer monitor or source of light to avoid glare and light reflections or consider an anti-glare screen.
· Place monitor directly in front of you, not off to one side. Adjust monitor sharpness, contrast (adjust to individual comfort), brightness (match room brightness), distance (20 inches to 26 inches), and viewing angle (approximately 15 degrees from eyes to monitor center).
A larger monitor with higher resolution and refresh rate (70Hz or higher) than your current monitor may also be helpful.
· Adjust your chair so that both feet touch the ground with knees approximately 90 degrees to the floor and elbows approximately 90 degrees to the keyboard. Allow for comfortable thigh support.
· Exercise when sitting with various stretches and joint rotation. Standing up and moving about is also helpful to keep your blood circulating.